Drier.



M. F. KEVLIN.

DRIER.

APPLICAI WN FILED MAR. 3, 1916- 1 1,249,771. Patented Dec. 11,1917.

4 SHEETS SHET I- M. r. KEVLIN.

omen. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 3. I916- Patented Dec. 11, 1917.

Jnvenar: SVKW 5?; y ztorz'z'ey M. F. KEVLIN. DRIER.

APPLICATION FILED ma. a. 1916.

1,249,771.. Patenteil Dec. 11,1917.

4 SHEETS-HEET 3.

h so

a fi '0 k oMtbrn/ey "pin up STATES ENTFIE JtlZh'lUT-JEEW r. KEVLIN, or rrrrsrrnrn, mnssaeirrnsnrrs,,nssrenon TO THE aAMEs ntnnrnn. MACHINE comranr, or NORTH. Anni/ts, .aiassaonusnrtrs, ;a Genre RATIO OF MASSACHUSETTS.

DRIER.

l,2t4t9,"t"tll.

Application filed March i 0 all whom it may concern.

Be it lrnoivnthat I, lllATI-IEW F .wIiEVLIN, a citmen of the United 'States, IQSIClIIIg at Pittsiield, in the county of Berkshire, State Figure l is a side elevation of a drier containing the said embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an end elevation from the left in Fig. 1, with the automatic feeder removed.

Fig. 3 is a view. on a larger scale than tical section the drier of the said figures.

Fig. t is a view in section on astill larger scale than ig. 8, showing a group of the sections of a platform.

lFig. aisatransverse sect-ion of certain of the parts that are shown in Fig. l.

of thc shelves detached, illustrating the perforations.

l ig. 7 is an end view of ashelf.

The invention consists, essentially, in a drier having a special table or platform which supports the stock While drying. This table or platform consists, in brief, of a longitudinal series of transversely-extending shelves Which. are comprised in groups or sets, 3, .3, etc., and l, 4, etc., with those of one group or set alternated vvlth. those of another, the said shelves having combined thereivlth means for causing movement of the shelves WidthWise back and forth length- Wise of the table or platform relative to one another whereby those of a given group or.

set alternately are advanced over those, of another and then are retracted underthe ,l atter, and :sozonn In the. preferred form of l Vhenthe movable shelves 4-, l,

The general aims of the inven- Speeificationol? Letters lateirt. ar m u 11,19 7,

a, 1916; Serial No. 81,771.

embodimenhthe shelves of the table or platform are alternately StillllOllttlYSllQlVBS 3, 3, and .1 movable ones l, :l, and the movable shelves are rec1procated slowly GClgQWISB,

WlCltllWlSQ, between the stationary shelves.

TllGWVOOl, rags, or cotton. under treatment lies e11 .top of: the table or platform in a layer, usually of consideable. thickness. etc. occupy thefully projected positions in are SllOWIllll the easeofthe. top series; or table 1 in :l ig. 3,*the said layer of material wrestswuponthesaid movable shelves, it. ex-

tendingwdown from the leadingedge of one movableshelfet to the adjacent rear portion a ofthe next succeeding lllOVZlblGuSllGlf. uAs the movable shelves of a series :ortahleiare retracted from the positions occupied by them: in the top series or 1 table; toward 1 the fully retracted positions occupiedqbynthe movable! shelves of the middle series or: table in Fig; 8, the layeris carried baclrslightly but the continued Withdrawal of the movable mshelvesfrom under thelayer. permits the latter to rest uponthe stationary shelves 3, .et-c.,\vhere it remains While the movable shelves. complete their Withdrawing: moveurnent, Withdrawing: from under the layer. mils the movable shelves next are: projected in i the reverse :direction outward from under 35 the stationary shelves, thatyis, are moved from their positions in the. iniddleseries or table in Fig. toward those occupied by them inthe first or. third seriesuor table,

uthey slip in under the layer of material. lfig. (5 1s a plan vlew of 901301111011 of one direction ofthe length of the series or table;

. so that the effect of successive reciprocating movements is to shiftthe layerof :material graduallyalongfithe table; or platform from the receiving end thereof to the discharging uendtl'iereof. llnbeing thus shifted along,

thestoch is subjected to an agitation-from beneath, due to the. Working of thei movable shelves underneath ithe layen of material, producing a movement; Of the particles of the general mass among "themselves; Inad 1 dition, the stool; continually is being separated from thesurfaces of theshelves. Thus, astheunovable shelves inovegfromtheir pro- 1 jected position inthertop table or platform which they 65 ..-:in Riga; 3Mtoivardutl1eirdetracted position in the middle table or platform in said figure table or platform, toward their projected position, as in the first table or platform,

they slip in between the layer of stock and the stationary shelves, lifting the said layer from the stationary shelves. As the layer is partly carried and partly pushed along the stationary shelves in this returning or advancing. movement of the movable shelves, portions of it fall from one stationary shelf upon the next succeeding moving shelf, throughout the table or platform. The action hasthe important efiect of producing a succession of changes in the position of the stock, involving agitation and turning of the latter so that every particle thereof is presented frequently to the circulating currents of air within the drier, insuring vaporization of any moisture with which the stock maybe charged and thereby rendering the vaporization, and consequently the drying, more rapid. The drier is furnished with means of inducing the drying of the stock while the latter rests upon and is being advanced along the table or platform. Such means consists, preferably, in means for causing an upward flow of heated air within the casing containing the table or platform as the action just referred to proceeds. At the time of the reverse movement of the lovable plates, the withdrawal of the latter in among the stationary shelves leaves openings under the stock adjacent the edges of the stationary shelves, facilitating the air movement. Preferably, perforations are provided in the different shelves as illustrated in Fig. 6, in which some of the perforations in a shelf are shown so that the heated air may pass upward therethrough, in addition to finding passageway at the leading edges of the different shelves where the material hangs down from one shelf to the next. Movement of the 1 air upward through the shelves and the stock has the advantages of preventing the stock from adhering to the surfaces of the shelves, and loosens or lofts the stock, without any tendency to mat or pack.

A single table or platform comprising shelves such as just described. and operating to feed the stock in one direction within the drier may be sutlicient to effect the required drying in some cases. Usually, as in Fig. 3, one such table or platform is arranged to deliver or discharge upon another'like table or platform below the same, such second table or platform being arranged to feed the stock in the reverse direction while under going the like treatment, and to deliver or discharge the stock upon a third table or platform below the second and feeding in the same direction as the first. Additional ones may be employed, if desired, in erder to extend the treatment to the extent desired. In falling from the discharge or delivery end of one table or platforn'i to the next table 'or platform below the stock becomes turned over, and this turning over of the stock is repeated each time the stock drops from one table or platform to another. The final table or platform discharges from the machine through av suitable outlet 2.).

The stock to be dried may be applied by hand to the receiving end of the first table or platform, but Fig. 1 shows an automatic feeder 2 having a hopper, and 'l'urnished with an elevating belt or creeper 2 and a transfer cylinder or like device 2", for delivering the stock at K, Fig. 1-3. so that it falls upon the said receiving end.

The general assemblage of shelves comprising a table or platform is shown as extended horizontally so that the table or platform is horizontal from one end thereof to the other, although it is to he understood that a strictly horizontal arrangement of the table or platform i not necessary. The stationary shelves :3, 2%, are mounted on suitable supports in connection with the casing 1, and in order to permit a movable shelf to work in and out between one stationary shelf and the next a vertical opening is left between the adjacent edges of one stationary shelf and the next. This vertical opening is provided for in the present instance by inclining the stationary shelves upwardly and frn-wardly. so that the said adjacent edges are separated vertically from each other. The movable shelves 4-, etc., which alternate with the stationary shelves work in these openings and are similarly inclined. As thus arranged. and combined the parts constitute a stepped alternating succession of transversely-extending stationary shelves and movable shelves.

Stock supplied at the point X, Fig. 3, upon the receiving end of the top table or platform, either by being thrown by an attendant into the space above said receiving end or deliv red thereinto by an automatic feeder, will rest upon the exposed portions of the shelves at that end. In Fig. 3 the movable shelves 4, 4:, are at the extreme of their movement toward the right so that stock supplied as just referred to will lie. chiefly upon the top surfaces of the movable shelves at such end. As the said movable shelves are drawn toward the left they will slip out from under the stock. which will settle down upon the top surfaces of the adjacent stationary shelves 3. 3. As the movable shelves, after having moved to the full extent toward the left, are returned toward the right the leading edges of those which are located at the receiving end will push portions of the stock. forward from.

a meat 71 the said adjacent stationary shelves on to the movable shelves next. toward the right.

Toward the final portion of the movement toward the right the stoclr will be largely ment will almost completely cover and concoal the stationary shelves over which they have been moved, as 111 Fig. 3. Then as the movable shelves move toward the left regain they will draw out from under thelayer of stock, permitting such layer tosettle down.

again upon the stationary shelves; lContinuanee ofthe action. will workthestock gradually from the receiving end of the table or platform toward the discharging end thereof, and cause it to discharge-from the latter end, and solong as the supply is maintained at X a continuous layer of stock will extend along),' the table or platform, from the receiving end thereof to the dis charging end. When the various shelves are perforated for the passage of air, as preferred, and provision is made for an upward flow of air within the casing, the air will pass upward through the }')Gl'f0l'tlll011S and into and through the layer of stock, fully permeating the latter, and in escaping from the top of the latter will, carry off the vaporized moisture.

The means for operating the movable shelves may vary in practice. ln the present instance every movable sl' lf of a table or platform, at eachend thereof, is pivotally connected at to a post or standard 6 carried by a slide-bar 7 extending the length of the table or platform and serving to join together the entire series of movable shelves pertaining; to the latter. Thetwo slide-bars t, 'Z, ofeach table or platform are rec1pro cated by means of 'acks 8, thmade fast to them and engaged by toothed sector-s9, 9,

on a transversely extending roclrshaft 10. The rock shaft 10 is rocked through suitable power-connections. la the present in stance the rockshaft 10 of each table or plat form is provided with an arm 11, the arms of the three rockshafts being connected together by alink or links 12, and another arm 11 of one of the said rockshafts con nected by means of a connectlng rod 13 to.

an actuating crank ll carried by a wormgear 15 which 153 engaged by a worm upon the'shaft of a stepq'iulley 16. The sljidebars 7, 7, are guided to move baclr and forth in an oblique direct on correspotuling withthe obliquity or inclination of the stationary shelves 3,

3, by means of inclined shoes 17, 17, 17, carried by the slide-bars and working; upon brackets '18, 18, having; lnclined supporting or guide-surfacesyas shown best in ll igs. 3 and 4. The said brackets are mounted upon convenient fixed supportsfh), 20,

- withinthe casing Each movableshelf is .raclrs 8, 8, l3,

. upon the receiving end of the next set alternated with supported at its ends upon inclined. guides 19, 19, tired to thesupports, 20,520.: To suit the obliquity of the paths of movements of the slide-bars,the toothed surfaces of the are formed with the same oblio uityor incline as the shoes 17, 17, 1.7,

At the delivery end of the top platform in Fig. a guide or deflector 121. is mounted in position where it will properly guide the stock, as it falls from the said deliveiyend, platform below, a. lilro guide/E151 being located at the delivery end of the second platform in position to guide the stock on to the receiving end of the third ola tform. In this instance the third platform delivers or discharges out through an. outlet in the right-hand end of the casing.

Suitable circulation fans :23 (Fig.2) are located in anaumliarv chamber or chambers at oneside of the chamber containing; the tables or platforms, and in conjunction with the said fans steam coils :25 are provided in the i said auxiliary chamber or chambers. ltach of the circulation fans has its actuating pulley Han outlet 26 for the escape of the n'ioistinre-surchurged air is provided at the top of the casing, as shown inv Fig. l. To prevent the stock from being dragged 1n between the stationary shelves andthe moving ones by the baclr and forth movemen t of the latter, guard-strips 27, 27, Fig. t, are mounted. in connection with the leading edges o f a ll the said slu zlves. The guardstrip carried by one shelf malres contact with the top surface of the shelf next below. ln the present instance the said guard-strips are shown mounted in. conwu'iiently formed bent sprinogcli" '28. 28, etc, carried by the platform consisting of a longitudinal series of trunsversely-extcnding shelves com prised in groups or sets with those of one group or those of another, and means for causing; relat1 ve movement of the shelves vidthwise leuggtl'lwise of the-table or pl a tf'orm wh ereby the or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to intervene between the stock and the latter group or set and advance it lengthwise, of

se a given group thereon, the said table or platform consisting of a longitudinal series of transverselyextending shelves comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and ineans for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to intervene between the stock and the latter group or set and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as to redeposit the latter upon the other group or set.

3. A drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc, comprising a table or platform which supports the stock in a continuous layer during the drying operation, and by which the layer of stock is agitated from beneath in addition to being fed forward slowly, and means for causing an upward flow of air through the table or platform and the stock resting thereon, the said table or platform consisting of a longitudinal series of transverselyeXtending shelves respectively having openings for the passage of air therethrough and comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform 1 whereby those of a given group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to inter vene between the stock and the latter group or set and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as to re-deposit the latter upon the other group or set.

4. A drier for W001, rags, cotton, etc., eomprising a table or platform which supports the stock in a continuous layer during the drying operation, and by which the layer of stock is agitated from beneath in addition to being fed forward slowly, and means for inducing the drying, the said table or platform consisting of an alternating succession of transversely-extending stationary shelves and movable shelves, and means for causing Widthwise movement of the movable shelves back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform, whereby they are advanced be tween the stationary ones and the stock thereon to receive and advance the stock, and then are withdrawn from under the stock to re-deposit the latter upon the stationary shelves.

5. A drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc, comprising a table or platform which supports the stock in a continuous layer during the drying operation, and by which the layer of stock is agitated from beneath in addition to being fed forward slowly, and means for causing an upward llow of air through the table or platform and the stool; IL ting thereon, the said table or platform cousistin of an alternating succession of transverselyeXtending stationary shelves and movable shelves, and means for causing widthwisc movement of the movable shelves back and forth lengthwise of the table or p atform. whereby they are advanced between the stationary ones and the stock thereon to mceivc and advance the stock, and then are with drawn from under the stock to rc-dcposit the latter upon the stationary shelves.

6. A drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc, coinprising a table or platform which supports the stock in a continuous layer during the drying operation, and by which the layer of stock is agitated from beneath in addition to being fed forward slowly, and means for causing an upward flow of air through the table or platform and the stock resting there on, the said table or platform consisting of an alternating succession of transverselyextending stationary shelves and movable shelves, the various shelves having openings for the passage of air therethrough, and means for causing widtlnvise movement of the movable shelves back and forth length-- wise of the table or platform, whereby they are advanced between the stationary ours and the stock thereon to receive and advance the stock, and then are withdrawn from under the stock to rc-dcposit the latter upon the stationary shelves.

7. A drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc, comprising table or platform which supports the stock in a continuous layer during the drying operation, and by which the layer of stock is agitated from beneath in additirn to being fed forward slowly, and means for inducing the drying, the said table or platform consisting of a stepped series of transversely extending shelves con'ipriscd in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and means for causing relative mowincnt of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to intervene between the stock and the latter group or set and advance il. lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stool; so as to ltll till

neaavrl redeposit the latter upon the. other group or set.

8. ill drier for woo-l, rags, cotton, etc.,comprising a table or platform which supports the steel: in a continuous layer during the drying operation, and by which the layer of stock is agitated from beneath in addition to being fed forward slowly, and means for causing an upward flow of air through the table or platform and the stock resting thereon, the said table or platform consisting of a stepped series of lZItUlSVGI'SElyGK- tending shelves comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given group or set are ad '2 iced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to intervene between the stock and the latter group or set and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are with drawn from under the stock so as to redeposit the latter upon the other group or set.

9. drier for wool, rags, cotton. etc.,comprising a table or platform which supports the stock in a continuous layer during the drying operation, and by which the layer of stock is agitated from beneath in addition to being fed forward slowly, and means for causing an upward flow of air through the table or platform and the stock resting there on, the said table or platform consisting of a stepped series of transversely-extending shelves respectively having openings for the passage or air therethrmigh and comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to intervene between the stock and the latter group or set and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as to ire-deposit the latter upon the other group or set.

10. fl drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc., comprising a table or platform which supports the stock in a continuous layer during the dr -Jing operation, and by which the layer of stock is agitated from beneath in addition to being fed forward slowly, and means for inducing the drying, the said table or platform consisting of a stepped alternatmg succession of transversely-extending stationary shelves and movable shelves, and means for causing widthwise movement of the movable shelves lengthwise of the table or platform, whereby they are advanced between the stationary ones and the stock thereon to intervene between the stock, and the stationary shelves, and then are withdrawn from under the stock to re-deposit the latter upon the stationary shelves.

11. A drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc., cornprisinga table or platform which supports the stock in a continuous layer during the drying operation, and by which the layer of stock is: agitated from beneath in addition to being fed forward slowly, and means for causing an upward flow of air through the table or platform and the stock resting thereon, the said table consisting of a stepped alternating succession of transversely-extending stationary shelves and movable shelves, and means for causing widthwise movement of the movable shelves lengthwise of the table or platform, whereby they are advanced between the stationary ones and the stoclz'thereon to intervene between the stock and the stationary shelves, and then are withdrawn from under the stock to 1G-ClGPOSlh the latter upon the stationary shelves.

12. Adrier comprising a table or platform which supports the stock during the drying operation, and meansfor inducing the drying, the said table or platform consisting of a stepped series of transversely-extending upwardly-inclined shelves comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and

means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given group or set are advanced be tween those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to receive the stock and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as to redeposit the latter upon the other group or set.

13. A drier comprising a table or platformwhich supports the stock during the drying operation, and means for causing an upward flow of air through the table or platform and the stock restmg thereon, the

said table or platform consisting of a stepped series of transversely-extending upwardly-inclined shelves comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alter nat-ed with those of another, and means for causing relative.movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given, group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to receive the stock and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as to re deposit the latter upon the group or'set.

14:. A drier comprising atable orplatforin which supports the stock during thedrying other operation, and means for causing an up ward flow of air through the table or platform and the stock resting thereon, the said table or platform consisting of a stepped series of transverselyextending upwardlyinclined shelves respectively having openings for the passage of air therethrough and comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another,.and means for causing relative move ment of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to receive the stock and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as to re-deposit the latter.

15. A drier comprisin 'a table or platform which supportsvthe stock during the drying operation, and means for causing an upward flow of air through the table or platform and the stock resting thereon, the said table or platform consisting of a stepped series of transversely-extending upwardly-inclined shelves respectively having openings, to permit the passage of air therethrough which alternately are stationary and movable, and means for causing widthwise movement of the movable shelves back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform, whereby they are advanced between the stationary shelves and the stock thereon to receive andadvance the stock, and then are withdrawn from under the stock to redeposit the latter upon the stationary shelves.

16. A drier comprising a. plurality of stock-su orting and feeding tables or platforms at different levels, adapted to feed the stock in opposite directions, arranged with the receiving end of a lower table or platform below the dischargingend of an upper one andadapted to overturn the stock atsaid receiving end, and means for inducing the drying, each table or platform coir sisting of a longitudinal series of transversely extending shelves comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a' given group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to receive the stock and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as tore-deposit the latter upon the other group or set.

17. A drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc., comprising a plurality of stock-sup orting and feeding tables or platforms at different levels, respectively supporting the stock in a continuous layer, and adapted to feed the stock in opposite directions, arranged with the receiving end of a lower table or platform below the discharging end of an upper one and adapted to overturn the stock at said receiving end, and means for inducing an upward flow of air through the table or platforms and the stock resting thereon. each table or platform consisting of a longitudinal series of transversely-ei:tending shelves comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to intervene between the stock and the latter group or set and advance it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as to rc-deposit the latter upon the other group or set.

18. A drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc., comprising a plurality of stock-sup mrting and feeding tables or platforms at dillercnt levels, respectively supporting the stock in a continuous layer, and adapted to feed the stock in opposite directions, arranged with the receiving end of a lower table or platform below the discharging end of an upper one and adapted to overturn the stock at said receiving end, and means for inducing an upward flow of air through the tables or platforms and the stock resting thereon, each table or platform consisting of a longitudinal series of transversely-extending shelves respectively having openings for the passage of air therethrongh, and con'iprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform whereby those of a given group or set are advanced between those of another group or set and the stock thereon so as to intervene between the steel: and the latter group or set and ad vanre it lengthwise of the table or platform, and then are withdrawn from under the stock so as to redeposit the latter upon the other group or set.

19. A drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc, comprising a plurality of stock-supporting and feeding tables or platforms at dili'erent levels, respectively supporting the stock in a continuous layer, and adapted to feed the stock in opposite directions, arranged with the receiving end of a lower table or platform below the discharging end of an upper one and adapted to overturn the stock at said receiving end, and means for inducing the drying, each table or platform consist ing of an alternating succession of transtill naaeml versely-einiending stationary shelves and movable shelves lengthwise otthetable or 'ilatilorm, whereby they are advanced be tween the stationaryones and thestocli supported thereon to intervene"between advance the stock, and the stationary shelves and then are withdrawn from under the stock to redeposit the latter upon the stae tionary shelves.

20. it drier for wool, rags, cotton, etc,

and means for causing widthwise movement otthe movable shelves lengthwise of the table or platform, whereby they are advanccd between the stationary ones and the stool: supported thereon to intervene between the stock, and the stationary shelves and then are withdrawn lrcmunder the stock to ire-deposit the latter upon the stationary shelves.

91. A drier Il OI WOOl, rags, cotton, etc., comprising a plurality of stock-supporting and feeding tables or platforms at diiierent levels, respectively supporting the stock in a continuous layer, and adapted to feed the stock in opposite directions, arranged with the receiving end of a lower table or plot term below the dischargingend of an upper one and adapted to overturn the stock at said receiving end, and means for inducing an ulnvard flow 01' air through the tables or platforms and the stock resting thereon, each table or platform consisting of an alter- 'ng succession oi" transversely-extending stationary shelves and movable shelves, the said shelves respectively having opcanings for the passage of air tleretln'ough, and means tor causing widthwise movement of the movable shelves lengthwise oil the table or plat-term, whereby they are advanced between the stationary ones and the stock supported thereon to intervene between the stock and the stationary shelves, and then are withdrawn from under the stock to redeposit the latter upon the stationary shelves.

A drier for loose stock, having a drying liable or platform comprising a horizontal series of transverse shelves for supporting and exposing the stock while drying, means for inducing the drying, and

means for easing relative moven'lent/ o'li the said shelv 'widthwise in overlapping planes, one above the other, whereby the advancing shelf both pushes aiulcarries the stool: so as to feed the latter along in a continuous horizontal plane.

ihdrier for loose stock, having a drying table or pll'itiorm comprising a horizontal series oi? transverse shelves for sup porting and exposing the stock while drying, moz'ins for causingan upward flow of air through the stock, and means for causing relative movement olthe said shelves widthwise in overlapping planes, one above the other, whereby the advanri-ing shell bi'idily pjuslies and carries the stock so as to feed the latter along in a. contini'lous horizontal plane.

24;. it drier .tor loose stock, havinga dryiiig table or platform comprising a horizo-ntal series oi? transverse stock-supporting shelves having openings for the passage oi air theretln'ough, means for causii'ig an upward tlow oi air tlnrough the said openings and the stock sup iortcd by the plates, and means for cruising relative movement ofl'the shelves widthwise in overlapping planes, one above the other, whereby the advancing shell bodily pushesand carricsthe stock so as to feed the latter along in a continuous horizontal plane. i

ill drier for loose stocl: having a horizontal stock-soppcrting andjlceding drying table or platform comprising a plin'ality of lined shelves, a plurality oi? widthwiseanovable pushing and carrying shelves which respectivcly work over the respective fixed shelves, a bar connected with all of the movable shelves, and means for reciprocating said bar to thereby actuate the shelves in unison.

26. it drier tor loose zontal stock-supporting stock having a horiand teedin g a drying table or platform CD111 'sing afiplurality oi lined inclined shelves, a plurality oi widthwiseanovablc pushing and carrying shelves which respectively move in inclined patls over the respectlveiixed shelves, a bar con nected with allot the movable shelves, and

means nareciprocating said ba in an in clined patlito thereby actuate the movable shelves.

27. In a drier, the combination with a horizontal drier-table or platform having widthwiso-movable stcclrsupporting and feeding shelves moving in inclined paths, a reciprocable bar connecting with all of the said shelves, gl'iides for causing said bar to reciprocate in a correspondingly inclined. path, an inclined toothed rack carried by said bar, and a vibrating toothed member engaging with said rack and serving to communicate movement to the bar.

28. A drier comprising a plurality oi n'iovable stock-supporting and feeding tables or platforms at different levels, adapted to feed the stock in opposite directions, with the receiving end of a lower table or platform adapted to receive the stock from the discharging end of an upper one, each table or platform consisting of a longitudinal series of transversely-extending shelves comprised in groups or sets with those of one group alternated with those of another, and means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform to feed the stock along the latter, comprising bars connecting a series of shelves together in each table or platform, a single actuating crank, and means for reciprocating said bars from said crank.

29. A drier having means for inducing drying, and a horizontal stock-supporting and feeding table upon which the stock rests while being dried, the said table comprising transverse shelves which alternately are fixed and movable, and actuating mechanism by which the movable shelves are reciprocated widthwise and thereby alternately drawn in under the fixed shelves so as to withdraw from the layer of stock which is being operated upon, leaving the latter resting upon the series of fixed sections, and

i then are advanced out from under the fixed sections so as to take the said layer upon their own upper surfaces, lifting it as well as pushing it forward upon the fixed shelves.

30. A drier having means for inducing drying, and a horizontal stock-supporting and feeding table upon which the stock rests while being dried, the said table consisting of a series of transverse shelves comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and actuating mechanism for producing relative reciprocating widthwise movement by which the shelves of one group or set are alternately drawn in under those of the other group orset so as to withdraw from the layer of stock which is being operated upon, leaving the latter resting upon the other shelves, and then are advanced so as to take the said layer upon their own surfaces, lifting it as well as pushing it forward.

31. A drier having a horizontal stock-supporting and feedmg table, and means for causmg an upward flow of air through the Copies of this patent may be obtained for table or platform and the stock resting thereon, the said table consisting of a series of transverse shelves respectively having openings for the passage of air therethrough and comprised in groups or sets with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and actuating mechanism for producing relative reciprocating widthwise movement by which the shelves of one group or set are alternately d "awn in under those of the other group or set so as to withdraw from the layer of stock which is being operated upon, leaving the latter resting upon the other shelves, and then are advanced so as to take the said layer upon their own surfaces, lifting it as well as pushing it forward.

32. A drier comprising, essentially, means for inducing the drying, and a table or platform which supports the stock while drying as well as feeds it along, the said table or platform consisting of a horizontally extending longitudinal series of transverselyextending shelves which are comprised in groups or sets, with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and having combined therewith means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform, whereby those of a given group or set alternately are covered by those of another group or set, and vice versa.

33. A drier comprising essentially, means for causing an upward current of air, and a table or platform which supports the stock while drying as well as feeds it along the said table or platform consisting of a horizontally extending longitudinal series of transversely-extending shelves having openings for passage of air and comprised in groups or sets, with those of one group or set alternated with those of another, and having combined therewith means for causing relative movement of the shelves widthwise back and forth lengthwise of the table or platform, whereby those of a given group or set alternately are covered by those of another group or set, and vice versa.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

MATHEW F. KEVLTN.

Witnesses:

Crms. F. RANDALL, ELLEN 0. SPRING.

five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

